Details emerge regarding Cypriot hierarch’s appeal to Patriarch Bartholomew

Metropolitan Tychikos. Photo: Facebook / Metropolis of Paphos

Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos has filed an appeal to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, contesting the decision of the Church of Cyprus from May 22, 2025, which declared his removal from the episcopal see.

The Greek-language UOJ reports this, publishing excerpts from the hierarch’s official complaint.

The appeal is based on Article 81 of the Charter of the Church of Cyprus and argues that the proceedings against the metropolitan involved gross violations not only of canonical norms but also of basic principles of fair judicial process recognized in modern rule-of-law states.

According to available information, the text of the appeal was also sent to all hierarchs of the Church of Cyprus. Reportedly, several bishops who had previously supported the removal of Metropolitan Tychikos are now expressing doubts and regret regarding both the decision itself and the procedure by which it was made.

The complaint emphasizes that no canonical or investigative procedure was carried out prior to the Synod session, as required by the Church’s Charter. Metropolitan Tychikos states that:

• No investigative committee was formed;
• No investigator was appointed;
• No proper examination of the charges took place;
• No witnesses for the prosecution or defense were heard;
• No formal indictment was drafted;
• He was not provided access to case materials;
• He was not properly notified or summoned;
• He was not given a chance to present a defense or to speak on his own behalf.

Moreover, according to the metropolitan, at the May 22 session, he was condemned without any formal charges being presented – a blatant violation of both the Church Charter and basic standards of justice.

The appeal states:

“The procedure by which I was removed from the see of the Metropolis of Paphos has nothing in common with the ‘righteous judgment’ spoken of in the Law of Moses (Deut. 16:18) and required by modern legal order (Article 6 of the ECHR). It more closely resembles the mocking ancient Greek proverb: ‘to judge like a Scythian or a Samosatian…’”

Metropolitan Tychikos stresses that the right to a fair trial is not a gesture of goodwill on the part of judges, but a fundamental human right recognized by all civilized societies.

The question now before Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is whether such a severe decision – taken in violation of all canonical and legal norms – can be considered valid and binding, with serious consequences for the life of the metropolis. Can the Archbishop and a temporary Synodal majority lawfully ignore the Church’s Charter and sacred canons?

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Tychikos had submitted an appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

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